Bidirectional curling iron with an asymmetric clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge

ABSTRACT

A curling iron includes a concave clamping member having a lateral straight edge and an opposite lateral comb edge. The clamping member is adapted to mate with a curling rod when the curling iron is in a closed position. During curling, the curling iron may be rotated so that either the straight edge or the comb edge moves towards the hair and engages and styles the hair with the lateral straight edge forming a solid barrel curl and the lateral comb edge forming evenly separated multiple curls, multiple spikes, multiple spirals and/or multiple waves.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of priority of pending U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 12/352,594 filed 12 Jan. 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 11/021,940 filed 24 Dec. 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference and made a part hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to curling irons, and, more particularly, to a curling iron with an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge.

BACKGROUND

Many curling irons have been devised to curl hair. Most conventional curling irons are comprised of a scissor-like device with a curling rod and a bill-shaped concave clamping member, each attached to a handle. A hinge enables the clamping member and rod to pivot for opening and closing movement. When closed, the concave surface of the clamping member engages (i.e., mates with) the curling rod. Hair may be wrapped around the curling rod and positioned between the interface of the mating surfaces of the clamping member and curling rod to aid in curling the hair.

Some ladies prefer having a mixture of curls in their hair. Some curls may be contiguous, evenly curled sections of hair that resemble a barrel, which are also known as barrel curls. Others may be smaller separate segments of hair. Still others may resemble a spiral. The smaller separate segments and spiral may be best formed using a comb to evenly segregate segments of hair, while the barrel curl is best formed using a barrel and flat edge.

While known prior art curling irons facilitate curling, they have shortcomings. Typically, prior curling irons are symmetrical and lack a comb edge. Thus, prior art curling irons do not enable different styling techniques, such as with both a comb and a straight edge, using the same curling iron. Consequently, a stylist using a prior art curling iron is relegated to using additional equipment to achieve varied styling effects. For example, a stylist may use a curling iron with a straight edge when a conventional curl is desired, but must use a comb with the curling iron when combed curls, i.e., curls separated into discrete sections, are desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,572,161 to Russell teaches a hair straightening iron (not a curling iron) with a body part (i.e., clamping member) having a symmetric (not asymmetric) flat (not concave) top with teeth extending from both sides of the body part, substantially at right angles. The teeth extend alongside a base when the body part is against the base. The base features a flat top that corresponds to the flat body part. In use, the straightening iron is clamped on a lock of hair and drawn through the hair, which passes through both sets of teeth and between the corresponding flat surfaces of the body part and rod, thereby straightening hair.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,684,648 to Tingberg discloses a symmetric (not asymmetric) hair undulating iron (not a curling iron) with movable needles extending downwardly from both sides of one U-shaped gutter-like undulating member that nests with a correspondingly U-shaped gutter-like undulating member without any needles. The hair undulating iron does not include a curling rod. In use, the hair undulating iron is clamped on a lock of hair and drawn through the hair, which passes through both sets of movable needles, which may be manipulated to create undulations.

United States Patent Application 2005/0150511 to Park discloses an oven heated hair iron for straightening. Park illustrates four embodiments of hair irons, not one of which has a combed edge. The inventive feature according to Park is a barrel comprising a solid ceramic core enveloped in a metal jacket. In one embodiment of Park, a single barrel cooperates with a curved lower blade. The edges of the blade are straight, clearly lacking comb teeth. The blade and barrel are symmetrical.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,674 to Takimae describes a straightening iron with opposed flat surfaces and interdigitating protuberances. The device is unidirectional, as hair is drawn only in one direction for straightening. While Takimae includes teeth along one edge, it lacks a curling rod and corresponding clamping member. Therefore, it cannot be used for curling.

While Russell, Tingberg, Park, Takimae and other prior art are useful for their intended purposes, none provides a bidirectional styling tool that enables curling hair against a comb edge when rotated in a first direction and curling hair against a straight edge when the curling iron is rotated in an opposite direction. Thus, with the prior art devices, a stylist cannot use a straight edge to achieve a barrel curl, and then, with the same tool, use a comb edge to form combed curls. Instead, multiple, separate and different tools must be used.

As a consequence of the foregoing, there exists a longstanding need for a new and improved curling iron with a clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge. The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a curling iron includes an asymmetric concave clamping member having a lateral straight edge and a lateral comb edge. The clamping member includes a comb and is adapted to mate with a curling rod when the curling iron is in a closed position. The straight edge, an integral part of the clamping member, is substantially parallel to the comb edge. The comb edge includes a plurality of uniformly spaced combing teeth. Each tooth has a filleted or rounded free end. The teeth may be curved to the contour of the concave clamping member. A pair of pivotally coupled handles enable scissor-like opening and closing of the curling iron. During curling, the curling iron may be rotated so that the comb edge moves towards the hair and the teeth engage and style the hair. Alternatively, the straight edge may be rotated towards the hair to achieve a different style. The curling rod may contain a heating element and corresponding switch controls. Alternatively, the curling rod may be a solid metal rod that is heated by an external heating source, such as an oven or stove.

In another embodiment, the clamping member defines a clamping section with an arcuate cross section (i.e., a cross section forming or resembling a parabola, section of an elipse, semicircle, C, U, arc or arch) that starts with a first terminal lateral free edge and ends with an opposite second terminal lateral free edge. The first terminal free edge is a lateral straight edge without comb teeth. The second terminal free edge is a lateral comb edge parallel to the first terminal free edge. The terminal edges are extremities, not intermediate features. Being extremities enables hairstyling as described below. The comb edge includes a plurality of comb teeth integrally formed in the clamping member. The teeth are uniformly spaced apart along the comb edge. Each tooth includes a filleted free end. The plurality of combing teeth may be curved to the contour of the concave clamping member. The straight edge and comb edge each terminate at the same plane (e.g., at a plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member) or at different planes, such as with the comb edge terminating at a second plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member, the second plane being further from a cusp of the clamping member than the first plane at which the straight edge terminates. A spring (e.g., compression, tension or torsion spring) may be provided to urge the curling iron into an open position or into a closed position. The curling rod may contain an electrical heating element. A pair of handles and corresponding pivoting connecting arms may be provided. Optionally, the clamping member may be configured for releasable and reversible coupling to a connecting arm, allowing the comb edge to be oriented on one side or the opposite side, as a user may desire.

The curling rod engages a lock of hair wrapped around the curling rod while the asymmetric concave clamping member is brought into the closed position receiving a portion of the curling rod with the lock of hair wrapped around the curling rod. The first lateral straight edge engages the lock of hair and forms a first curl if the curling rod is rotated in a first direction. Alternatively, the second lateral comb edge engages the lock of hair and forms a second curl if the curling rod is rotated in a second direction. Either the first curl or the second curl is formed depending upon the direction of rotation of the curling rod while the asymmetric concave clamping member is in the closed position with the lock of hair wrapped around the curling rod. Thus, a stylist can use the straight edge to achieve a barrel curl, and then, with the same tool, use the comb edge to form combed curls, all with the same device, depending upon rotation direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary curling iron with an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a distal end (the end opposite handles) view of an exemplary curling iron with an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary curling iron with an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an exemplary curling iron with an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of an exemplary curling iron in a closed position, the curling iron having an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of an exemplary curling iron in a closed position, the curling iron having an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exemplary curling iron in an open position, the curling iron having an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an exemplary curling iron in an open position, the curling iron having an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary spring biased curling iron in an open position, the curling iron having an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary spring biased electrical curling iron in an open position, the curling iron having an asymmetric arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member assembly having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member assembly having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 14 is a plan view of an exemplary asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 15 is a distal end view of an exemplary asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 16 is a side view of an exemplary asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of an exemplary asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 18 is another side view of an exemplary asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 19 is a side view of an exemplary section of an asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary section of an asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of an exemplary section of an asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-section view of another exemplary section of an asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exemplary section of an asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention; and

FIG. 24 is a cross-section view of another exemplary section of an asymmetric removable arcuate clamping member having a lateral comb edge and an opposite parallel straight edge according to principles of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the types of bristles, handle configuration, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, various views of an exemplary curling iron 100 according to principles of the invention are provided. The exemplary curling iron 100 generally includes a pair of scissor-like handles 155, 160. A curling rod 105 has an outer peripheral surface and a first (proximal) end 115 attached to a handle 160 and a second (distal) end 110 projecting outwardly from the handle 160. A concave clamping member 120 terminates with lateral edges, including a flat, straight edge 165 and an opposite parallel comb edge 135. The terminal edges are extremities, not intermediate features. Being extremities enables hairstyling as described below. The concave clamping member 120 further includes a first (proximal) end 130 attached to a handle 155 and a second (distal) end 125 projecting outwardly from the handle 155.

A pair of scissor-like connecting arms 140, 145 join the handles 155, 160 to the concave clamping member 120 and rod 105, respectively. The scissor-like connecting arms are configured to pivot about an axis defined by a pivot pin 150. Handle 160 attached to curling rod 105 is joined by a first pivoting connecting arm 145. Handle 155 attached to concave clamping member 120 is joined by a second pivoting connecting arm 140. The pivoting connecting arms 140, 145 are pivotally joined with a pivot pin 150 through the alignable holes. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other pivoting assemblies may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

When the exemplary curling iron 100 is assembled, the first pivoting connecting arm 140 and second pivoting connecting arm 145 are movable between an open position, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, to a closed position, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6. During this movement, pivoting occurs about the pivot pin 150 that pivotally connects intermediate pivoting connecting arms 140, 145. When the pair of handles 155, 160 are squeezed towards each other, the concave clamping member 120 engages the cylindrical curling rod 105, applying pressure therebetween. When the pair of handles 155, 160 are moved away from (i.e., pivoted apart from) each other, the concave clamping member 120 separates from the cylindrical curling rod 105, relieving any pressure applied therebetween.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 15, the clamping member 120 has a concave shape with a radius of curvature r approximately equal to or slightly larger than the radius of curvature of the circular cross section of the curling rod 105. Advantageously, concave clamping member 120, includes two lateral edges. One lateral edge is a conventional straight edge 165. However, the other lateral edge 135 is a comb edge with teeth for combing. The comb edge 135 is substantially parallel to the straight edge 165, but may extend further than the straight edge 165.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 through 24, the exemplary comb edge 135 includes a plurality of spaced apart, parallel elongated combing teeth 300. The teeth 300 are preferably uniformly spaced and integrally joined to the body of the clamping member 120 at the root 310. The teeth 300 may optionally taper slightly from root portions 310 connected to the clamping member 120 to free ends 305, and filleted or rounded at the free ends 305 to prevent scratching. In a preferred implementation the teeth 300 are curved generally to the contour of the clamping member 120. The comb edge 135 and opposite straight edge 165 may both terminate along the same plane p perpendicular to the midline m of the cross-section, as shown in FIG. 21. Alternatively, the comb edge 135 may terminate on a different plane than the opposite straight edge 165, with the comb edge 135 extending beyond the straight edge 165, as shown in FIG. 22. As another alternative, the clamping member have an arcuate cross section that is not semicircular, such as the cross section conceptually illustrated in FIG. 24. Such a configuration, where the straight edge 165 terminates at a plane p that is perpendicular to the midline m of the cross-section and closer to the center c and cusp of the clamping member than the plane p₂ at which the comb edge terminates is referred to herein as an embodiment with comb edge 135 extending beyond the straight edge 165.

While the Figures show a certain plurality of elongated teeth defining a comb edge 135 for illustrative purposes, the actual geometry, size and spacing of the teeth may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, the teeth may be integrally formed with the clamping member 120 or attached to the clamping member 120 by chemical, thermal or mechanical bonding or attachments.

The clamping member 120 may be comprised of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron, or other metals, alloys or materials with good physical and thermal (e.g., heat retention) properties. The clamping member 120 should preferably be rigid, durable, corrosion resistant and able to withstand elevated temperatures of curling irons.

The curling rod 105 may be a solid or hollow metal rod-like member. The rod may be comprised of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron, or other metals, alloys or materials with good physical and thermal properties. The rod 105 should preferably be rigid, durable, corrosion resistant, able to withstand elevated temperatures of curling irons and retain heat. The diameter of the rod 105 may vary from a fraction of an inch (e.g., ⅜ inches) to over an inch (e.g., 2 inches) depending upon the tightness of curls desired. Although a curling rod 105 with a circular cross-section is preferred, other arcuate non-circular cross sections (e.g., ellipsoid, C-shaped and oval) may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The curling rod 105 may be heated by placement in a heating source such as an oven. Alternatively, the rod 105 may have an axially extending bore (not shown) for receiving an electrical heating element (also not shown). As shown in FIG. 10. An electrical cord 190 may supply utility electrical power to the heating element. A control switch, such as a rotary control switch 185, may be provided to select on, off and variable temperature settings.

Each handle 155, 160 may include one or more hand grips to provide comfort and thermal insulation. The hand grips may be comprised of plastic, rubber or other polymeric, elastomeric or composite materials suitable for use as handgrips. The hand grips may be bonded to the handles 155, 160, or removable or integrally formed with the handles. The grips may have smooth or rough surfaces, and may be soft or hard.

The clamping member 120 may be permanently attached to the connecting arm 140, such as with a welded or soldered joint 170. In such case, various curling irons 100 may be provided with the comb edge 135 on one lateral side and the straight edge 165 on the opposite lateral side, and vice versa. Alternatively, optionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 18, the clamping member may be removably attached to the connecting arm 140 and reversible. Thus, the clamping member 120 may be mounted to the connecting arm 140 with the comb edge 135 on either the left or right side of the curling iron 100, whatever the user may desire, and the straight edge 165 on the opposite side. The clamping member 120 may then be removed and reversed, such that the sides are switched. This process may be repeated as often as necessary.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11 through 18, the clamping member is removably attached to the connecting arm 140 and reversible using mechanical attachment means, such as screws 210 and threaded mounting holes 215 in a mounting pad 220 of the connecting arm 140. The mounting pad 220 is attached to the distal end of the connecting arm 140 and defines a base which attaches to the inner side of the clamping member 120 as shown in FIG. 11. The threaded mounting holes 215 in the mounting pad 220 align with corresponding mounting holes 200, 205 at opposite ends of the clamping member 120. Screws 210 are provided to releasably attach the clamping member 120 to the mounting pad 220 through mounting holes 200, 205 in the clamping member 120 and threaded mounting holes 215 in the mounting pad 220 of the connecting arm 140.

In operation, the curling rod 105 is heated using either an internal heating element or an external heat source such as an oven. The temperature should be sufficient to facilitate curling without damaging hair. Next, a lock of hair is draped or wrapped around the curling rod 105. Then the clamping member 120 may be closed to exert pressure on the hair against the curling rod 105 by urging the handles 155, 160 towards each other. Next the curling iron 100 may be rotated so that the comb edge 135 moves towards the hair. Use of the comb portion facilitates making loose curls, or tight curls and waves. Alternatively, the curling iron 100 may be rotated in the opposite direction so the straight edge 165 moves towards the hair, as in conventional curling processes. As the pressure exerted on the handles 155, 160 is released, the hair may be drawn through the comb teeth 135 while a curl is formed. After the hair is released and the clamping member 120 is separated from the curling rod 105, the curling iron 100 is ready for the next curling operation.

In another embodiment, the curling iron is spring biased into an open or closed position. By way of example and not limitation, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a compression or tension spring 180 may be provided to urge the curling iron into an open position as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, or a closed position. In a particular preferred embodiment, the spring 180 urges the curling iron into an open position. Thus, engaged hair may be released by opening one's grip on the handles 155, 160, whereupon the spring 180 urges the handles 155, 160 and corresponding clamping member 120 and rod apart from one another.

The invention provides a curling iron featuring a clamping member that terminates with a straight edge without a comb on one side and terminates with a comb edge on the opposite side. In use, the curling iron may be rotated one direction so that the comb edge moves towards the hair and/or rotated in the opposite direction so the straight edge moves towards the hair without the comb teeth. This unique non-symmetrical arrangement provides different styling means along opposite edges of the clamping member, thereby enabling different styling techniques, with a comb and a straight edge, using the same curling iron. An asymmetrical clamping member with a lateral straight edge and an opposite lateral comb edge, wherein the “edge” is a line or border at which the clamping member surface terminates is unique. Curls formed using the combed edge are separated into discrete segments defined by the combed teeth pattern. In contrast, curls formed using the straight edge are continuous, e.g., barrel curls. Advantageously, both types of curls may now be achieved using the same curling iron. Additionally, the lateral comb edge may be used to form evenly separated multiple curls, multiple spikes, multiple spirals and/or multiple waves, leaving the hair curled, spiked, spiraled and or waved. All prior curling and styling feature parallel opposite straight edges or parallel opposite comb edges, and therefore do not enable styling as with the present invention.

While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An asymmetric curling iron comprised of a curling rod having a circular cross section, and an asymmetric concave clamping member adapted to mate with the curling rod when the curling iron is in a closed position, said asymmetric concave clamping member defining a compartment in which at least half of the concave clamping member is received, said clamping member having a clamping section having an arcuate cross section that starts with a first terminal lateral free edge and ends with an opposite second terminal lateral free edge, said first terminal free edge being a lateral straight edge without comb teeth, said second terminal free edge being a lateral comb edge parallel to said first terminal free edge, and said comb edge including a plurality of comb teeth integrally formed in said clamping member, and said first lateral straight edge and said second lateral comb edge being integrally formed with the asymmetric concave clamping member; and said curling rod engaging a lock of hair wrapped around the curling rod while the asymmetric concave clamping member is brought into the closed position receiving a portion of the curling rod with the lock of hair wrapped around the curling rod, and said first lateral straight edge engaging the lock of hair and forming a first curl if the curling rod is rotated in a first direction, and said second lateral comb edge engaging the lock of hair and forming a second curl if the curling rod is rotated in a second direction, said curling iron producing one of the first curl and the second curl depending upon the direction of rotation of the curling rod while the asymmetric concave clamping member is in the closed position with the lock of hair wrapped around the curling rod.
 2. A curling iron according to claim 1, wherein the comb edge includes a plurality of combing teeth, said combing teeth being uniformly spaced apart along the comb edge.
 3. A curling iron according to claim 2, wherein each tooth of the plurality of combing teeth includes a filleted free end.
 4. A curling iron according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of combing teeth are curved to the contour of the concave clamping member.
 5. A curling iron according to claim 3, wherein the straight edge and comb edge each terminate at a plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member.
 6. A curling iron according to claim 3, wherein the straight edge terminates at a first plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member and the comb edge terminates at a second plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member, said second plane being parallel to the first plane.
 7. A curling iron according to claim 3, wherein the straight edge terminates at a first plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member and the comb edge terminates at a second plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member, said second plane being further from a cusp of the clamping member than the first plane.
 8. A curling iron according to claim 1, wherein the curling rod has a circular cross section with a first radius of curvature and the clamping member has a radius of curvature about equal to or larger than the first radius of curvature.
 9. A curling iron according to claim 1, further comprising a spring configured to urge the curling iron into an open position.
 10. A curling iron according to claim 1, further comprising a spring configured to urge the curling iron into a closed position.
 11. A curling iron according to claim 1, wherein the curling rod contains an electrical heating element disposed within said curling rod.
 12. A curling iron according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of handles, including a first handle being operably coupled to the curling rod, and a second handle being operably coupled to the clamping member, a pivot pin adapted for pivotally joining the first handle to the second handle.
 13. A curling iron according to claim 9, wherein the curling rod has a cross section with a first radius of curvature and the clamping member has a radius of curvature about equal to or larger than the first radius of curvature.
 14. A curling iron according to claim 9, further comprising a first handle grip adapted for the first handle and a second handle grip adapted for the second handle.
 15. A curling iron comprised of a curling rod having a circular cross section, an asymmetric, removable, reversible concave clamping member adapted to mate with the curling rod when the curling iron is in a closed position, said clamping member having a clamping section having a C-shaped cross section that starts with a first terminal free edge and ends with an opposite second terminal free edge, said first terminal free edge being a lateral straight edge without comb teeth, said second terminal free edge being a lateral comb edge parallel to said first terminal free edge, and said comb edge including comb teeth integrally formed in said clamping member; and a pair of handle assemblies, including a first handle being operably coupled to the curling rod by a first connecting arm, and a second handle being operably coupled to the clamping member by a second connecting arm, said first and second connecting arms being pivotally coupled; and means for releasably coupling the asymmetric, removable, reversible concave clamping member to the second connecting arm in a plurality of orientations; and said curling rod engaging a lock of hair wrapped around the curling rod while the asymmetric, removable, reversible concave clamping member is brought into the closed position receiving a portion of the curling rod with the lock of hair wrapped around the curling rod, and said first lateral straight edge engaging the lock of hair and forming a first curl if the curling rod is rotated in a first direction, and said second lateral comb edge engaging the lock of hair and forming a second curl if the curling rod is rotated in a second direction.
 16. A curling iron according to claim 15, wherein each tooth of the plurality of combing teeth is tapered from a root portion to a distal end of the tooth.
 17. A curling iron according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of combing teeth are curved to the contour of the concave clamping member.
 18. A curling iron according to claim 17, wherein the circular cross section of the curling rod has a first radius of curvature and the semi-circular cross-section of the clamping member has a radius of curvature equal to or larger than the first radius of curvature.
 19. A curling iron according to claim 3, wherein the straight edge and comb edge each terminate at a plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member.
 20. A curling iron according to claim 3, wherein the straight edge terminates at a first plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member and the comb edge terminates at a second plane that is perpendicular to a midline of a cross-section of the clamping member, said second plane being further from a cusp of the clamping member than the first plane. 